Devices and methods for treatment of tissue

• US 8,506,485 B2
• Filed: 12/20/2010
• Issued: 08/13/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 04/20/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gynesonics, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Gynesonics, Inc.
• Inventors: Deckman, Robert K., Gerbi, Craig, Munrow, Michael, Grossman, Jessica
• Primary Examiner(s): Le, Long V.
• Assistant Examiner(s): HOFFA, ANGELA MARIE
• Application Number:
  US12/973,587
• Publication Number:
  US 20110288412A1
• Time in Patent Office: 967 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 600/439
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/02 by cooling, e.g. cryogenic techniques devices for cooling specific reflex points of the body within cell-life limits A61H39/06
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/04 by heating by applying electromagnetic radiation A61B18/18; hyperthermia using electric or magnetic fields, radiation or ultrasound A61N
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/082 Probes or electrodes therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1477 Needle-like probes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/18 by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves radiation therapy A61N5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/4216 Operations on uterus, e.g. endometrium
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00559 Female reproductive organs
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00577 Ablation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1425 Needle
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/0833 involving detecting or locating foreign bodies or organic structures
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/0841 for locating instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/12 in body cavities or body tracts, e.g. by using catheters catheters per se A61M25/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/445 Details of catheter construction

Abstract

Delivery systems, and methods using the same, having an ultrasound viewing window for improved imaging and a needle for ablation treatment of target tissues. In an embodiment, the target tissue is a fibroid within a female'"'"'s uterus. In an embodiment, the delivery system includes a rigid shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axial passage extending through the rigid shaft. In an embodiment, the axial passage is configured for removably receiving the ultrasound imaging insert having an ultrasound array disposed a distal portion.

Claims

1. A rigid delivery system comprising:

a rigid shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis, and a passage therethrough, wherein the passage has a distal end with an alignment feature on an inner surface thereof; and

an ultrasound imaging insert removably disposed within the passage and having an ultrasound array and an outer engaging surface which is asymmetrically inclined relative to the longitudinal axis and rotationally aligns with the alignment feature on the inner surface of the passage by contacting the inner surface when the insert is fully received in the passage of the shaft, wherein the ultrasound array has a field of view with a center line which is tilted in a distally forward direction relative to the longitudinal axis and wherein the imaging insert may be removed and reused.

2. A system as in claim 1, wherein the alignment feature comprises a flat viewing surface which permits imaging with the ultrasound array of the imaging insert.

3. A system as in claim 1, further comprising a needle deployable from the rigid shaft.

4. A system as in claim 3, wherein the needle is deployable within the field of the ultrasound array.

5. A system as in claim 4, wherein the needle is straight when carried in the rigid shaft and curves as it is deployed.

6. A system as in claim 3, wherein the needle comprises an electrode.

7. A system as in claim 3, wherein the needle is adapted to deliver an agent to a fibroid.

8. A system as in claim 1 wherein said alignment feature comprises a mechanical alignment means.

9. A system as in claim 1 wherein said alignment feature provides for axial or rotational alignment.